Broun regrets and condemns violent town hall question

From NBC's Luke Russert and Mark MurrayGeorgia Congressman Paul Broun (R) has confirmed that he received this question at a town hall on Tuesday: "Who's going to shoot Obama?"

According to the Athens Banner-Herald, which first reported the news, Broun responded to the question this way: "The thing is, I know there’s a lot of frustration with this president. We’re going to have an election next year. Hopefully, we’ll elect somebody that’s going to be a conservative, limited-government president that will take a smaller, who will sign a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare."

Broun's spokeswoman told the Georgia newspaper: “Obviously, the question was inappropriate, so Congressman Broun moved on.”

Now, after the outburst gained national attention, Broun has issued a statement condemning any suggestion or threat of violence aimed at the president or any other elected official.

Tuesday night at a town hall meeting in Oglethorpe County, Georgia an elderly man asked the abhorrent question, “Who’s going to shoot Obama?” I was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response; therefore, at that moment I moved on to the next person with a question. After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities. I deeply regret that this incident happened at all. Furthermore, I condemn all statements—made in sincerity or jest—that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official. Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated.

*** UPDATE ***TPM is reporting that, per witnesses, Broun "laughed when an elderly man at his town hall meeting this week asked 'Who's gonna shoot Obama?'"